Ahead of an international break that isn’t fully observed by all South American leagues, there were major storylines in both Brazil for Neymar’s Santos and Argentina this weekend. Some of the continent’s biggest clubs were in action — and a few historic powers are in crisis. Here’s your South American football round-up for the week.
Boca Juniors Deepen River Plate’s Crisis
It’s been a miserable run for Marcelo Gallardo’s River Plate. They entered the away Superclásico against rivals Boca Juniors as underdogs — and still fell short of even those modest expectations, losing 2–0. Boca celebrated not just a famous win, but also qualification for the 2026 Copa Libertadores, adding more pain for their eternal rivals.
This marks a third consecutive defeat for River Plate, leaving them out of the Libertadores qualification picture and instead bound for the Copa Sudamericana — a stunning failure after spending over $150 million on transfers.
Boca have now held River scoreless in three straight meetings. River managed just two shots on target despite an edge in possession. The first half was tight until 23-year-old forward Exequiel Zeballos struck in first-half stoppage time — his third goal in four matches.
Already hampered by an early injury to Maxi Meza, River’s troubles deepened after halftime when Miguel Merentiel netted for Boca in his third straight game. From there, Boca comfortably managed the match, which featured a flurry of yellow cards (and plenty of blue and yellow shirts). Boca were far closer to scoring a third than River ever were to scoring their first.
While Boca top LPF Group A, Group B continues to be led by Ángel Di María and Rosario Central.
Neymar’s Santos Face Relegation Battle
With six matches remaining in the Brasileiro season, Neymar’s Santos have fallen two points below the relegation zone. The former Brazil and European star was angrily subbed off as Santos trailed Flamengo by a wide margin. While Neymar’s injuries have limited his impact, the optics were poor — and the team’s struggles continued.
Santos rallied for two late goals but still fell 3–2 to Flamengo, after previously losing 2–0 to Palmeiras. Facing both Libertadores finalists back-to-back was unfortunate scheduling, but they remain winless in their last five matches.
If Santos are relegated — a fate that often befalls other major Brazilian clubs — Neymar would almost certainly leave his boyhood club once again, with MLS rumored as a possible destination.
It’s a compelling story, but ultimately Santos are simply a poor team this year — and selling Neymar jerseys won’t fix the lack of quality on the pitch.
Harold Mosquera Keeps Santa Fe Alive
Harold Mosquera, now 30, has played for three different Liga BetPlay Dimayor clubs — beginning at Millonarios, then Deportivo Cali, and now Santa Fe, with stints abroad in between. The defending champions were surprise winners of the 2025 Apertura title from sixth place, but in the Clausura season they sit ninth — one point behind Alianza and América de Cali with one match left. Only the top eight advance to the playoff round robin.
Mosquera has produced back-to-back extra-time heroics to keep Santa Fe alive. Against higher-ranked Junior, he scored in stoppage time to seal a 2–1 win. Then, versus Deportivo Cali, he dazzled a defender before scoring the only goal in a 1–0 victory at Estadio El Campín. That win means Santa Fe’s fate comes down to a decisive clash with Alianza on November 13th at home.
Current playoff qualifiers include Junior, Fortaleza, Deportes Tolima, Atlético Bucaramanga, Atlético Nacional, and Independiente Medellín. Both Medellín clubs currently hold the “invisible point” advantage as the top two finishers in the league table heading into the final matchday.
Independiente Medellín Reach Copa Colombia Final
A home draw against Envigado sealed Independiente Medellín’s place in the 2025 Copa Colombia Final with a 2–1 aggregate win. El Poderoso reach the final for the first time since 2020, seeking their fourth title overall.
In the other semifinal, Atlético Nacional lead América de Cali 4–1 on aggregate heading into the second leg in Cali. Nacional have won the past two Copa Colombia titles. For DIM, this is a golden moment — they also reached the 2025 Apertura final and are chasing their first league crown since 2016.
Cerro Porteño and Guaraní Battle for Paraguay’s Clausura Title
Two rounds remain in Paraguay’s 2025 Clausura season, and the title race couldn’t be tighter. Cerro Porteño lead with 40 points, just one ahead of Guaraní (39). Argentine players have powered Cerro’s campaign — their goalkeeper, two defenders, a midfielder, and two forwards all hail from Argentina. Jonathan Torres and Sergio Araújo have combined for 21 league goals, while Paraguayan Juan Iturbe has added 15.
For Guaraní, 23-year-old midfielder Diego Fernández has emerged as a key figure with six goals. The historic club last lifted the title in 2016, while Cerro Porteño’s most recent trophy came in 2021. With just two matches to go, Paraguay’s Copa de Primera is set for a thrilling finish. Cerro Porteño defeated Guarani 1-0 on matchday 19.
Main Photo Credit: Imago Images Carlos Santtos/Fotoarena
